Manchester's UMIST has enhanced its international stature as science and technology-focused university by signing a twinning deal with Penn State University in the US.

The university is to provide programmes in Project Management to the Americans, and is working on a similar deal with a Canadian institution.

UMIST was part of an industry-focused consortium comprising Rolls-Royce, Cheshire construction giant AMEC and TRW, creating new web-enabled programmes. The joint venture between the university and the three engineering firms, spawned the innovative, technology-based MSc course in professional project management.

Programme director Dr Andy Gale said: ''We are all very excited with the link up with Penn State. This programme is already taking on mammoth proportions and we will be graduating up to 30 delegates a year. It has given our programme true international stature.''